KB4012598 patches Windows XP/Windows 8 against WannaCry ransomware

The WannaCrypt ransomware has affected tens of thousands of PCs running various versions of Windows worldwide. The malware targeted primarily out-of-date systems. However, Microsoft has been rolling out various updates to patch these vulnerabilities since March.

Block WannaCry/ WannaCrypt ransomware on Windows XP, Windows 8

Hats off to Microsoft: the company took the unusual step of patching all versions of Windows against the WannaCry/WannaCrypt ransomware, including Windows XP, Windows 8 and Windows Server 2003.

On its blog, Microsoft addressed users after seeing lots of business and individuals affected by cyberattacks, confirming that it has taken every possible action to protect its customers.

As stated above, in March Microsoft released a security update patching this specific vulnerability. Customers using supported versions of the OS, such as Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2016 all received the security update. All the organizations that haven’t applied it yet are advised to get the Microsoft Bulletin MS17-010.

In addition, customers using Windows Defender can now download a dedicated Windows Defender update that blocks WannaCry/WannaCrypt ransomware attacks.